Ariana Grande is Becoming an Honorary Citizen of Manchester

Ariana Grande is being named the first-ever honorary citizen of Manchester after her successful One Love Manchester fundraising effort. The city is changing the citizenship rules for Grande because they were so impressed by the singer’s charity concert. They city council called it a “great many selfless acts and demonstrations of community spirit,” after the attacks in the Manchester Arena on May 22nd.

The singer returned to the city 13 days after a suicide bomber killed 22 concertgoers, many of whom were just young girls, outside of the concert arena where Grande was performing. The event raised more than $3 million for the Red Cross. She even visited several injured children in the hospital this month.

Sir Richard Leese, Manchester city council leader, told BBC News that the grace and benevolence with which Grande responded to the attack led the city to “update the way we recognize those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.”

“We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May, with love and courage rather than hatred and fear,” he said. “Ariana Grande exemplified this response. I think many people would already consider her an honorary Mancunian and we would be delighted, if the council approves the proposal, to make it official.”

Honorary citizenship is one of the highest honors offered by a city. Congrats to Grande for this honor.